Exploring Crete: From Minoan Ruins to Serene Shores
Cradle of the Mediterranean diet, known and celebrated throughout the world, and of ancient legends, first of all that of the Minotaur, the island of Crete, or Kriti, is the largest island in Greece, the fifth largest in the entire Mediterranean. Its elongated shape, with mountains that often reach and exceed 2,000 metres, the barren landscapes alternating with others rich in vegetation, and the five kilometers of beaches, contribute to making the island one of the most pleasant destinations to enjoy the flavor of Greek tradition.
Heraklion and Knossos
Heraklion, the island’s main city, is the point of arrival on the northern coast, the most populated area of the island. The ancient capital, Knossos, is five kilometers away. In addition to being known as the center of the Minoan civilization, Knossos is famous for its role in the great tale of mythology, as the place where the fate of the Minotaur was fulfilled, within the famous labyrinth.
The remains of the Palace of Knossos, brought to light by the English archaeologist Arthur Evans, welcome tourists with a surprise: the absence of the labyrinth, as it is easier to imagine it. The image was used at the time of Theseus and Ariadne to actually indicate the shape of the palace that enclosed, in a complicated network of streets and alleys, all the life of the capital, the administrative and religious center of the entire region.
The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
What survives today, presented through a non-conservative restoration, is what was able to resist the fury of the tsunami caused by the eruption of the volcano in nearby Santorini, which literally wiped out the entire Minoan civilization. Its memory is entrusted to the artifacts preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, located in the center of the city. Considered one of the largest and most important museums in Greece and Europe, it houses objects, paintings, and jewels, including the beautiful ring of King Minos, covering a chronological span of over 5,500 years from the Neolithic to the Roman era. A visit is a must. The building was constructed between 1937 and 1940 by the architect Patroclus Karantinos on a site previously occupied by the Roman Catholic monastery of Saint Francis, destroyed by the earthquake of 1856.
Other Archaeological Sites
Other archaeological sites to visit include Gournia, where it is possible to admire the Praetorium, the residence of the Roman governor of the province, the temples of Apollo Pythia and Odeon where the inscription with the laws of Gournia was kept, and the Nymphaion, a place dedicated to the veneration of the Nymphs. Additionally, the site of Kato Zakros houses the remains of a luxurious Minoan palace, and Phaistos, 63 kilometers from Heraklion, is home to the largest and most important palace-city on the island after that of Knossos.
Byzantine and Venetian Remains
The passage of Venetians and Turks is evident, from the remains of the ancient port, the Venetian fortified walls, to the numerous castles and Muslim temples. The Byzantine heritage is encapsulated in the magnificent Orthodox churches found on the island, such as the monastery of Agia Triada and Katholiko on the Akrotiri peninsula, the Preveli monastery on the southern coast, and the beautiful Varsamonero monastery with valuable frescoes.
The monastery of Arkadhi, of Venetian origin, is one of the symbolic places of Crete. In 1866, a tragedy took place here that saw the desire for independence of this land emerge: rebels besieged by the Turks blew themselves up together with the attackers.
Monasteries and Cultural Sites
Near Heraklion is the Monastery of Epanosifi, dedicated to Saint George, originally built between the late 15th and early 16th centuries, then destroyed by a violent earthquake in 1750 and subsequently rebuilt.
A few kilometers from the typical village of Thalori, a complex of fifteen traditional old houses restored with local materials, located in Kapetanianá at 800 meters on the Asterousia massif, west of the Κophinas peak, is the place where the monk Petrus Filagris created the first school dedicated to the teachings of Aristotle. The site, identified thanks to a letter from the monk to the Turks, was destroyed by the Venetians, who killed its occupants. Restoration is now underway. The hill that flanks it was revered in the Minoan era. On its summit once stood a temple, accessible via paths traced during that period.
The Nature and Beaches of Crete
Crete, however, is not only about archaeology and history; it is also nature and, above all, the sea. The beaches of Crete are numerous and renowned. Matala, known for its rock walls with unique erosions, Balos with the Cape of Gramvousa, perhaps the most beautiful landscape on the coast, and the beach of Elafonissi are just a few of the many worth visiting.
The most crowded beaches are located near the most populous towns, such as Xania, Sitia, Agios Nikolaos, Rethimno, and Ierapetra. By renting a car, you can reach more secluded spots, such as the magical cove of Erimoupolis.
Southern Coast and Samaria Gorge
The southern coast is the most rugged and wild, with mountains overlooking the sea. Right in the southern region, on the slopes of Mount Volakias, lies one of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Greece: the Samaria Gorge.
The road from the village of Omalos ends at Xyloskalo. From here, a walking route begins with a descent of about 1,200 meters through the splendid Samaria Gorge, taking around five hours of exciting hiking among remote panoramas and churches. The journey ends at the beach of Agia Romueli, an ideal place for a refreshing dip. Attempting this hike is exhilarating, though it’s important to organize a shuttle service to return to the starting point; otherwise, the return journey on foot, under the powerful Cretan sun, could be extremely exhausting.
